Politics

A report released today by the UN Human Rights Office points out that conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka is still not properly addressed. Survivors, both men and women, continue to be denied the justice they deserve. The report, titled “We lost everything – even hope for justice,” is based on ten years of monitoring and discussions with survivors, local experts on gender violence, civil society, and others. It urges the Government of Sri Lanka to quickly act on its promise to improve local accountability and make necessary reforms, particularly regarding this issue. The document reveals that the ongoing lack of accountability, recognition, and reparations for serious human rights abuses and wartime crimes has created a culture of impunity that affects survivors today. Many victims from the conflict, which ended in 2009, still deal with severe physical injuries, infertility, mental health issues, and thoughts of suicide. Survivors and their advocates described a persistent atmosphere of surveillance, intimidation, and harassment, which leads to under-reporting, significant stigma, and a lack of effective solutions. Sexual violence during conflict is a major violation of international law and can be seen as war crimes or crimes against humanity. Sri Lanka is required by various international treaties to prevent, investigate, and punish these violations and to provide reparations for the survivors. The report also highlights how military presence and emergency laws have created conditions where gender-based violence, including sexual violence, continued even after the conflict ended. Survivors reported horrifying acts, such as rape, sexual mutilation, forced nudity, and public humiliation, which they believe were meant to inflict lasting harm and disrupt communities.